The Love From Vengeance

275: THROUGH THE ALLEY

ARIEL’S POV

So, it had been quite an exhausting and stressful day. It’s not stressful; I just said that because of the scene at Luke’s mansion a while ago. All good now cause I was already ‘making my way out of there, along with Janice.

I had promised her earlier that we would go on a mother–daughter trip. I had the perfect place in mind – a salt lake I had stumbled upon during one of my morning runs a year ago. The location just pooped up in my head, and I was like, ‘Okay, we gotta go, right?”. It was a hidden gem, with crystal clear water and stunning views.

Getting ready, we both packed a small picnic basket with snacks and a camera. Janice. insisted on bringing a stuffed bunny, which she called Floppy, along for the trip. Randy gave it to her as a sign of their new friendship.

We got into the car, and Randy and Ethan soon wished us safe journeys. They were so

sweet, no lie about that. So now, we were on our way to our little adventure.

While I was driving, Janice chattered non–stop, excitedly pointing out every tree and bird. we passed by. With beautiful trees and ravishing locations, New Haven was just wonderful.

After a short drive, we reached the salt lake, and Janice’s eyes widened in amazement as she took in the breathtaking view. “Wow, mommy, this place is beautiful!“She tugged my

hand.

I smiled and led her towards the water. We took off our shoes and felt the cool, salty water on our feet. Janice squealed in delight and started running around, chasing after the small fish that swam near the shore.

“Why is the water so salty, Mommy?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Well, this lake is called a salt lake because it has a high concentration of salt in it. That’s what makes the water so clear and blue,” I explained, trying my best to sound like a

science teacher.

Janice nodded, taking in the information before running off again to explore. I took out my camera and started taking pictures of her, capturing every moment of her happiness.

“Mommy, come play with me!” She called out, holding Floppy up in the air.

I couldn’t resist her infectious energy and joined in on the fun. We splashed around in the

and built sandcastles. It was the perfect day.

on a nearby rock, enjoying our snacks. Janice munched on her favorite chocolate chip cookies while I sipped on some lemonade. We watched as the sky turned into

back here again?” Janice asked,

special place,” I

until the sun completely disappeared behind the mountains and then returned

where are we going now? Daddy’s house?” Janice

not Daddy’s house,” I

her arms, a big smile still on her face. I couldn’t wait to print out the pictures I took and frame them to always

LUKE’S POV

restaurant, the smell of sizzling steaks

for the man I was supposed to meet. I spotted him sitting at a table near the back, his large frame almost spilling over

him, dodging waiters carrying trays of food and couples chatting over glasses

I said, extending my hand for a

and

I got straight to the

with me, Luke. Giving me no response in the past few days. I couldn’t

guilt. “I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy with different

late now. I’ve already found someone else

order some food

chaos in the restaurant. I looked around, trying to make sense of what

“Get down!”

under

of screams and breaking glass filled the air. I spotted a waiter running in another direction,

the waiter. “He

staying low to the ground. We followed

following him, he turned around, fear evident in his eyes.

trying to calm him down.

leave me alone,” he answered, but his voice was shaking. So apparently, he was frightened. But goddamn, this man shouldn’t be scared

good guys, okay? We just want to find a way out. And I